Living vicariously through books.

“The Angels’ Share” (#2 The Bourbon Kings) by J.R. Ward ★★★

Disappointing continuation of the saga surrounding the wealthy Baldwine family and their bourbon dynasty. Other than a couple tearjerker moments, this was a drawn out bit of not much. The various family members are starting to show some pluck and even some of their humanity as they face the imminent demise of their reputation and wealth. Some of the most stubborn members of the family are finally being honest about their feelings, even if their efforts come too late.

As always, Ward does a great job of creating interesting characters; however, her downfall is her penchant for constantly referring to high-end brands and labels, whether it is cars, liquor, jewelry, artwork, or clothing. I have a hard time believing that people honestly look at their watch and immediately think of it as their “Piaget Polo 7131 c 701”. Reading her books is often like watching the Hallmark Channel’s obnoxious use of product placement in their Christmas movies. I mean, Folger’s coffee just screams Christmas, doesn’t it? Well, it does now.

In saying all this, however, I do want to continue on to the next book because of a nebulous ending and because I do still like these characters (dang it) and want to see how they pull out of the mess their father left for them before his death.